Over 100 fans, friends, family, coaches, and players packed the Riverbelle Tuesday to recognize the contributions of the Trail Smoke Eater players on and off the ice.
The Smokies took a substantial leap forward this season, with their playoff fate to be decided this weekend.
While every night relies on a team effort, on this night individuals were singled out for exceptional and consistent play all season.
Five players were multiple award winners this year as a total of twelve individual trophies and honours were handed out.
Forwards Tyler Berkholtz and Brent Baltus shared the Most Valuable Player award, while 17 year-old forward and Trail minor hockey product Scott Davidson was named the Smokies’ Rookie of the Year, and received the scholatic achievment award. Team captain Garrett McMullen was presented with the Ed Shelly Memorial award, and Bennett Hambrook was awarded the Most Dedicated player.
Baltus, who made the BCHL’s second allstar team, also took home top-scorer award, while the Unsung Hero of the team went to Luke Sandler, and Nelson product Adam Wheeldon took home Most Inspirational as well as the Fan Favourite award. The Top Defenceman went to Braden Pears, and most improved to Fruitvale native Mitch Foyle.
The Smokies’ four 20-year-old veterans, Baltus, Berkholtz, McMullen and Bennett Hambrook were also presented with their game jerseys from this season.
The Smokies final home game goes at 3 p.m. at the Cominco Arena on Sunday, when they host the Penticton Vees.